An Ultimate Guide to Metal Cladding

Metal claddings and façades have long embraced architectural curves. Metal cladding has gained popularity among designers from the perforated sheets to the louvres from Metaguise due to its formal flexibility and quality. Its popularity is mostly due to its immense versatility in both commercial and avant-garde applications.

Metal claddings and façades have long embraced architectural curves. Metal cladding has gained popularity among designers from the perforated sheets to the louvres from Metaguise due to its formal flexibility and quality. Its popularity is mostly due to its immense versatility in both commercial and avant-garde applications.

Nowadays, practically all architects choose metal cladding. This post breaks down the options to help you select the best building facade product for your next project.

Metal Cladding Systems

Metal cladding is an attractive and functional way to complete your building while shielding it from the weather. Metals can be fastened to a building in a variety of ways since they are adaptable, pliable, and foldable.

Your construction project’s ideal colourbond cladding system will rely on how intricate the design is and what kind of finish you want. Several of the most popular cladding systems in use are:

1. Standing Seam

The standing seam cladding is immediately recognised thanks to the string-folded connection between the panels. Because this method allows architects to create streamlined exteriors, they frequently like it. A standing seam system can be exquisitely designed by incorporating elements such as galvanised steel, weathering steel, zinc, titanium, and aluminium.

2. Snaplock

Snaplock has a ribbed appearance similar to a standing seam. Yet, it may be put together without the need for any specialised closing tools. With snaplock panels that snap together, installation is really simple. 

3. Interlocking

You can choose an interlocking system for a smooth appearance. The metal cladding panels’ width can be adjusted to suit your demands. It can be adjusted to run diagonally, horizontally, or vertically.

4. Flatlock and Shingle

A thin and flexible façade is created by connecting flatlock or shingle panels. If you want deeper express lines, you can choose reversed flatlock. Shingled metal facades create a breathtaking look. Shingle metal panels are folded into tile shapes so they can be put in an interconnected manner, giving the appearance of tiles.

5. Cassette

Large metal panels are a good fit for the cassette system. Invisible clips are used to fit the bent cassettes, giving them a flat appearance. The cassettes are typically mounted on an aluminium frame. This arrangement offers a modern look.

6. Custom

When it comes to designing inventive metal cladding systems, the possibilities are endless. Hiring a specialised manufacturer allows you to create something entirely fresh. It is also possible to modify an already-existing system to meet your needs. But keep in mind how much the modification will cost.

Metal Cladding Materials

A multitude of materials can be used to create colourbond cladding. Every substance has advantages and disadvantages of its own. The materials you select will be determined by the specifics of your project, such as the climate, structural engineering, and intended aesthetics.

1. Aluminium

Nowadays, aluminium is favoured for new projects. The benefits of aluminium include its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and lightweight and strong corrosion resistance. Aluminum isn’t the best material for ground-level work because it can get dents and scratches.

2. Titanium

Titanium is lightweight and strong. Its glossy, reflecting surface is what gives it visual appeal. A thin oxide film forms on it during treatment, providing corrosion protection. Brown stains can appear on titanium; thus, it needs to be maintained.

3. Zinc

Zinc has a lot of incredible properties. Zinc has a high resistance to corrosion and the elements. It can also mend itself. Zinc surfaces automatically resurface after a few small scratches.

4. Galvanised Steel

Zinc is thinly coated on galvanised steel to prevent rusting. The variegated appearance of galvanised steel with crystallites is commonly referred to as “spangle.”

5. Stainless Steel

A layer of chromium oxide covers stainless steel. Because of this chromium layer, oxidation is prevented. For this reason, rust or erosion will not affect stainless steel. Stainless steel is an excellent choice for a finish that looks clean.

6. Brass

Copper and zinc are sources of qualities that brass inherit. Because it is highly pliable, brass can be used to create elaborate sheets. Over time, it oxidises and acquires a greenish tint.

7. Copper 

Compared to other materials, copper is robust and lightweight. Its glossy surface oxidises to a green colour.

Conclusion

Metal cladding is a durable and adaptable option for protecting and enhancing architecture. Due to its many advantages, including sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, it is a highly recommended material for residential and commercial projects globally. Stakeholders can successfully include metal cladding into their designs by making informed judgments based on their awareness of the various types, installation techniques, and maintenance requirements described in this book. Adopting metal cladding in the built environment is a declaration of support for creativity, robustness, and classic design.

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